The Edmonton Oilers will be harder on themselves than the media and fans are on them. The Edmonton Oilers are now 1-5-1 to begin the 2023-24 season. Everyone knows that this start isn't acceptable - the fans, players and coaches alike. Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Jacob Trouba, Jonathan Quick. [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MjAxNzkyODY2NTM0NTY1Mjc4/usatsi_21743474_168401874_lowres.jpg] Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Jacob Trouba, Jonathan Quick. They lost to the New York Rangers 3-0. Jonathan Quick had the Oilers number and they failed to convert on any chances they had. In the first period - the Oilers best - they only mustered five shots on goal. In my post-game analysis for this game I'll pick 10 players that stood out to me (for good or bad reasons) and give them a letter grade for their performance in the game. DYLAN HOLLOWAY: B Dylan Holloway was one of the Oilers best forwards. He was throwing his body around, didn't give up on plays and was always trying to get the puck to the net. EVAN BOUCHARD: B+ This was the kind of game that the team needed Evan Bouchard to have. While no Oiler found their way onto the scoresheet, Bouchard had his best defensive game all season. He was rewarded with 20:17 of ice time - the most since the Oilers home opener. LEON DRAISAITL: C Leon Draisaitl was working hard to generate offense. However he spent most of his night trying to make passes to his teammates. The few times he tried to generate offense on his own the Rangers defense smothered him. WARREN FOEGELE: B Warren Foegele was buzzing all night, hunting for a goal. He also had an errant pass intercepted that almost resulted in a goal against. In the end, he couldn't find the back of the net (just like the rest of the team) but had the most chances of any Oilers player. PHILIP BROBERG: B- If this grade was based on effort alone Philip Broberg would have an A. Something was off with his skating because he was stumbling all night. In spite of this he still made great plays CONNOR BROWN: B Connor Brown was all over the ice last night. He and Foegele were the most relentless of all Oilers forwards. He's still searching for his elusive first goal of the season. EVANDER KANE: C On the heels of his best game Evander Kane was average last night. He played physical and had a few chances. DARNELL NURSE: B- Darnell Nurse wasn't the team's best or worst defender. Showed a lot of hustle and grit - his brand of hockey. Was only beat on a rush once, during Adam Fox's breakaway. RYAN NUGENT-HOPKINS: D Ryan Nugent-Hopkins was largely invisible. He didn't play terribly, but the lack of chances hurt his grade for the game. STUART SKINNER: B+ Despite the goals that got past him, Stuart Skinner was the best Oilers' player by a country mile. He gave up very few rebounds and was a big reason why the game was tied after the first period. Related: 3 Goalie Upgrades Oilers Could Trade For Related: New Oilers Defender Paired With Ekholm Related: Oilers At Crossroads With Young Defender Related: Ex-Oiler Leaves NHL For Good
